Welcome to the Technology Ministry. Everything we do here is fast-paced and furious, but definitely purpose-driven. We’re excited that you are considering using your SHAPE to serve in ministry with us.

Our goal is to use the love God has given us for all things technical to keep Faith ministries running smoothly. From computers, networking, audio, video to Faith website and streaming platforms, so much of our environment is impacted by technology. From systems design and maintenance to training and support, you’ll find a range of opportunities to impact the kingdom here. There is no end to the need to plug in and keep what’s plugged in from coming unplugged!

We hope you’ll find this ministry a suitable place for you to become “plugged in” as well.  If you have questions about the Technology Ministry, contact Jeff Cowan (630) 862-3500 or jeff.cowan@discoveringfaith.com.

Click on an opportunity below to explore details.

Click below if you know what you're interested in and want to take the next step in your ministry journey at Faith.

Technologists or "techs" are Technology Team members with particular skills, knowledge, and experience around one or more technologies or systems used in support of Faith ministries.  All skill levels are useful to God's technical work at Faith.  A great place to develop into new technology areas or advance existing areas.  Technologists basically do the work of the Technology Team.  The Technology Team primarily creates and maintains technical solutions that support the day to day activities of the church.  It consults with other Faith ministry teams and Faith Council to assess needs and plan for the use of technology solutions.  The Technology Team provides training to and support for ministry operation teams, e.g. Sound and Live Stream Operations.

There are many areas of technology in use at Faith that a Technologist  could have or be developing proficiency in.  This is not an exhaustive list.

• Computer Equipment and Software
• Computer Administration (Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, other)
• Application Software and Services
• Networking (LAN, WAN, WiFi, wiring and infrastructure)
• Audio Equipment
• Video Equipment and Streaming Services
• Web and Mobile App Services

To create, deploy, maintain, and support current and future technology solutions in support of Faith ministries.

Most of the work of the Technology Team is project based, where we are responding to a newly identified need or request.  Each project is planned and scheduled as technologists are available to work on it.  The amount of effort is unique to each project.  There are occasional failures of a critical solution that can result in requirement for immediate response to troubleshoot and fix it.  The amount of effort is unique to each incident.

Jeff Cowan
Phone:  (630) 862-3500
Email:  jeff.cowan@discoveringfaith.com

A live stream operator uses Faith's preconfigured video/audio equipment to capture sound and visual aspects of Sunday worship services and special events, and broadcast (live stream) it to remote participants via our Internet based streaming service.  Using remote camera controls, a video switcher, and a mini-soundboard, the operator makes selections from a variety of scenes and media to best represent what is going on physically and presenting that to the world, so to speak.  It's like producing a live TV show, but on a simpler and smaller scale.  Seasoned operators help establish best practices that are then shared with others on the team. The live stream operator works in coordination with our pastor, music team, and media and sound operators to ensure broadcast quality is consistent and meets viewer expectations. Operators typically start their operating session about 25-30 minutes prior to the first service to preset camera scenes they expect to be presenting for the service and perform video and audio checks.  There is much less setup required between services.  Equipment shutdown is the final task of the day, following the last service.  This is less than 5 minutes.  It really is a lot of fun!

Ramping up new operators starts with one-on-one training and ample opportunity to practice with equipment off-line.  Next step is to co-operate along-side an experienced operator looking over your shoulder.  Then onto operating solo for the first time, with an experienced operator available in the church, but not in the tech booth, just in case.

If you're thinking about serving in this way and want to get a better feel for what this actually is like, we'd love to have you come sit with one of our experienced operators in the tech booth during a Sunday worship service.  We'll give you an orientation, show you what it looks like in operation, and answer your questions.  Just let us know you're interested!

To bring God's word to our congregation and visitors who are attending Sunday worship services and/or special events at Faith remotely via the Internet.

No prior skills necessary.  We provide training, coaching, and co-operator opportunities to gain experience and build confidence.

Live stream operators typically scheduled to serve 1 in every 4-5 Sundays.  Same operator serves for all services on each Sunday they are scheduled for.  Operator typically begins setup tasks approximately 25-30 minutes prior to the first live streamed service time.  After the last service, the operator shuts down the video/audio equipment, which takes 1-2 minutes.

Jeff Cowan
Phone:  (630) 862-3500
Email:  jeff.cowan@discoveringfaith.com